Derbyshire choir’s starring role in new Hollywood comedy

Dan Hayes

A Derbyshire children’s choir is to gain worldwide fame when its music features in a forthcoming film.

Perfect Pitch, based in Great Longstone, is to appear on the soundtrack of the new Eddie the Eagle film starring Hollywood heartthrob Hugh Jackman.

The film, based on the exploits of Eddie Edwards who competed in the ski-jump for Great Britain at the 1988 Calgary Olympics, premieres in cinemas up and down the country on April 1.

The choir’s musical director, singing teacher Emma Hopkins, 23, said: “It came about as we’re sponsored by the Sheffield Steelworks Studios where Gary Barlow and Eliott Kennedy recorded the film’s soundtrack.

“All the songs are from the period - on an 80s theme - and we recorded one song Gary wrote especially for it, called People Like You.

“It’s an amazing thing to be involved in and a great experience for the kids. They are really excited - they’ve never done anything like this before so we’ve organised a big trip to go and watch the film.”

Emma has had a glittering stage career herself, playing the lead role in a major UK tour of Annie and Brat in Whistle Down the Wind on the West End. But after returning home she felt that the children of her village should have the chance to experience the joys of singing and performing as well.

The soundtrack to Eddie the Eagle is released on iTunes tomorrow (Friday).

• The choir will be holding open auditions on April 17 in Great Longstone. Call 07814732726 or email emmahopkins@hotmail.com.